UCO among top institutions

Wednesday

Sep 11, 2013 at 11:56 AM

UCO ranks No. 29 among Tier 1 institutions.

SNS

The University of Central Oklahoma remains among the top colleges and universities in the nation, once again ranking as the top public regional university in the state according to the just-released 2014 Best Colleges list from U.S. News and World Report.

Central ranks as no. 29 in the list of Tier One institutions in the “Top Public Schools: Regional Universities - West” category. Central ranks no. 75 in the overall list of regional universities in the west.

UCO President Don Betz, Ph.D., said the ranking affirms the university’s continued commitment to meeting the needs and aspirations of the region through collaborative partnerships and prepared graduates.

“We believe the critical ingredient for our success in Oklahoma is our people. To that end, we are committed to helping students learn and encouraging them to become creative problem solvers and engaged citizens,” Betz said.

“I commend the dedication of our faculty, staff and students for enhancing the reputation of this great university as we continue to re-imagine higher education and create transformative learning opportunities.”

U.S. News and World Report releases its list of Best Colleges annually. They divide their Regional Universities into four categories: North, South, Midwest and West. U.S. News defines Regional Universities in its list as offering “a full range of undergrad programs and some master's programs but few doctoral programs.”

According to information provided on their website, the rankings are developed using a combination of the institution’s own responses to the U.S. News and World Report statistical survey, information from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, and information gathered in assessments from administrators at peer institutions. Factors that go into the ranking include retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving.

Ideally located just north of Oklahoma City in Edmond, Okla., the University of Central Oklahoma is the state’s largest metropolitan university, serving more than 17,000 students pursuing degrees in 115 undergraduate and 59 graduate major areas of study and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Founded as a teachers’ college in 1890, Central considers itself an institution where teaching comes first, and, with a 19:1 student/faculty ratio, students can enjoy personal relationships with faculty and staff who are committed to transforming lives.

For more information about UCO, visit www.uco.edu.

For more information on the U.S. News and World Report 2014 Best Colleges, visit www.usnews.com/colleges.